Safety Net 》Reuban Finch

Chapter 11

So everyone had decided that the night before the mission required a party.

The Hard Deck was the place to be. Penny's bar was the best in town, and all Navy personnel knew it.

Jia was dressed to impress, a flattering pair of jean shorts and a crop top that hugged her figure. (Reuben was glaring at any and all men who were ogling her as they walked in.)

Phoenix let out a whistle. "Sexy is in the house!" Jia laughed as she bowed before the others.

"No, but seriously, how can I get your abs? Because yes. Just yes."

Jia smirked, patting her stomach. "Years and years of falling and fighting Nat. I don't recommend it. Your face is too pretty to be taking those stunts."

Phoenix waved her hand to her face, pretending to feel faint. The two women laughed before Phoenix planted a friendly kiss on Jia's cheek.

Reuben moved between the two, jokingly glaring at his friend. "Okay, Phee, I know she's gorgeous, but stop trying to steal her from me."

The woman in question only smirked at him before moving back towards her drink.

The others who had witnessed the entire interaction were laughing themselves, finding the trio good entertainment.

Coyote looked to Jia. "We know you're a badass, but can you play pool?"

Hangman decided to join in. "Yeah, you can't be good at everything."

Jia shrugged. "It's not something I play all the time, but I'll say I've got some skills."

Never one to let a potential bet go, Coyote proposed an idea. "Care to put your money where your mouth is? Say $50 pot?"

And never one to back down, Jia narrowed her eyes. "Make it $100, and you're on."

Hangman and Rooster both let out an "ooh" before glancing at each other and looking away. (Both absolutely disgusted they did that in sync.)

Mickey was already cheering Jia on, knowing damn well she was about to kick Coyote's ass in pool. Even if she didn't play it on any regular basis, the minute he issued a challenge, she was locked in.

Too many nights playing games had taught Mickey to keep the trash talk to a minimum because Jia was likely to obliterate you once she was in the zone.

The game was quickly started, and both sides doing well. It honestly could go either way, although Jia had just narrowed her eyes, signaling a focus.

And just like that, Coyote lost. It only took two more rounds for Jia to sink the last of her balls in. She threw her arms into the air as cheers went up around her.

Coyote's mouth was dropped open. "How..." But he can't get the words out. Hangman can only laugh at his best friend and the incredulous look on his face.

"Pay up, Coyote. Deals a deal."

But Jia waved him off. "Keep your money, Coyote, it's alright. I get competitive. It's in my nature."

The man sighed, knowing she won't take the money. "I'm at least buying you another drink. I owe you that."

He came back with a drink for both of them before settling down to watch Hangman take on Phoenix for the next round.

Reuben glances at her Long Island Iced Tea. "You sure that's a good idea? Too many of those, and you're drunk as a skunk."

Jia shrugged, taking a sip of her drink. "I want to let loose tonight and actually have fun." She looks back up at him, mischief in her eyes.

"Besides," she continues, “I know you will be there to catch me when I fall. You always have been.”

Reuben gives her a deadpan look. “That's because you have terrible balance despite the fact that you fall for a living.”

She opened her mouth to respond before promptly closing it, realizing he was right. She was quite clumsy. Half of her injuries aren't from stunts but from everyday life.

Coyote was close enough to hear, so he turned towards the couple. "Hey Jia, what other projects have you worked on? Are you primarily into movies, or do you do tv as well?"

The others also want to know, so they stop what they're doing, giving Jia their attention.

She thinks for a few moments. "Well, I've done some miscellaneous episodes of tv here and there. Mostly, if I'm called and they just need a person for a specific episode or scene."

She leans against Reuben's chest while he drapes both arms around her shoulders, hugging her body to his.

"Mostly for crime shows, like the various NCISs, CSIs, etc. But I'm most consistent with Cobra Kai. I've done work with them on and off for the entire show."

Bob drops his pool cue at that.

"Just when I thought you couldn't get any more badass, you go and drop that bomb."

Jia laughs at Phoenix's statement. "Cobra Kai is one of my favorites. It's just so fun, and the cast is great."

Mickey, having known her shows, nudges her in the ribs. "Tell them about the movies."

She smiles at his enthusiasm. "I was lucky enough to do some stunt work in the MCU on various projects, as well as one or two James Bond movies."

Hangman looks to Reuben. "Seriously, how the hell did you get her?"

He only raises an eyebrow at the man before Jia respondes for them both. "Middle school."

They all look to her in question.

She and Reuben both shrug. "We met in middle school. Grew up together and started dating in high school."

Rooster smiled at the couple. "High school sweethearts. That's cute, you guys. Reminds me of my parents."

Even Bob joined in. "Childhood friends to lovers." When he got the weird looks, he shrugged. "I've got sisters. They love this kind of stuff."

Jia laughed. "It took us a while to see the obvious, but most people around us, especially our families, had been waiting for years. Apparently, there was a bet that I think my mom won."

Mickey chimed in, having heard the story. "Everyone knew they were basically soulmates."

And no one could argue that. It was clear as day that the two loved each other and belonged together.

The rest of the night continued on in similar fashion, games played, bets made and fun all around.

It was good to get a night of distraction and enjoyment in, because the mission started tomorrow, and it was about to get crazy.

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Word count: 1,078

Fun vibes only! And just quick mentions of some of my favorite shows and movies for Jia's stunt work!! Honestly you can imagine any show or movie you want and just add her as a stunt woman on it.

And a little throwback to how our favorite couple got together.

Be ready because we start the mission next chapter with some ideas about the future. Bye guys!!!

(Gif by me)